The signs of summer ending and school beginning are everywhere, especially in stores. Bathing suits, flip flops, and beach chairs are being replaced with book bags and school supplies.

For many students, the first day of a new school year is just days away. Although the idea of meeting a new teacher, watching Friday night football games, and catching up with last year’s classmates can be exciting, kids often have a difficult time making the back-to-school transition.

As parents, we are the essential gatekeepers of our children’s health. From the moment we hold them in our arms, we become the decision-makers about the amount and quality of health care our children receive, the food they eat, and the amount of physical activity they engage in.

Healthy lifestyle habits including healthy eating and adequate physical activity, are key to helping prevent our kids from developing health complications during their adolescence and later in life.

Childhood obesity is on the rise and remains a serious public health problem here in the U.S. Today, nearly a third of children are overweight or obese. Many parents may not understand the impact that childhood obesity has on developing extreme health issues down the road.

A child’s physical health, along with both their emotional and social well-being can be greatly impacted when living with obesity.